Additive manufacturing (AM), or three-dimensional (3D) printing, is the process of creating a 3D solid object of nearly any shape from a digital model. The technology has lead to innovations in a vast array of industries since the 1980s. The process has widely contributed to the biomedical field with the creation of biocompatible veins, to national security with the production of unique parts for the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, and to aerospace applications by more rapidly and simply generating products needed for unmanned aerial vehicles and satellites, among other notable applications. While already impressive, AM technology only continues to mature and diversify.

Regardless of industry, designing a custom product is a challenge in itself, let alone unleashing the design into production. So how can your company ensure it is selecting the best production methods for your unique product? Efficient manufacturing requires forethought, planning and exceptional components. Design engineers want prototypes quickly and, in order to stay in the game, manufacturers must perform.

If you make a mistake during the design phase, you run the risk of going over budget and not receiving your solution in time. Our latest eGuide will help you avoid these common design oversights. Get a free copy by subscribing to our blog.

‘Leaving it to the experts’ can be a mutually beneficial proposition for both the expert and the other party. In industry, this concept is a convenient way of allowing both parties, each familiar with a certain field, to hone their skill set and become trusted, esteemed experts in that field.

Component manufacturers with poor quality control can jeopardize your engineering projects. Form-in-Place (FIP) gaskets, die cut gaskets, and custom molded rubber products with part defects may not perform as required. Custom-fabricated components that fail to arrive on-time may cause delays in product development, production, and assembly. These are just a couple of reasons engineers need to be aware of how quality-focused their custom parts supplier is.

When you have a need for “speed”, quick-turn parts can be your salvation! The production of quick-turn parts necessitates both quality methodology and a single supply chain comprised of multiple manufacturing steps. Engineers can achieve both quality and quick-turn through vertical integration. This approach combines the production of base components and supporting processes all under one roof, saving time and money by shortening your supply chain to one manufacturer!